5.0 Caroline Kaufman
We originally asked Caroline Kaufman to be our featured artist for the planned August 2020 show… and we all know what happened next. Now, as we head into the new season with a groundbreaking hybrid event, gearing up for our first in-person show in what feels like f-o-r-e-v-e-r, we’re so happy to finally have Caroline on board! This Brooklyn-based, multi-disciplinary artist lends her amazing sense of color, shape, and visual energy to the look and feel of both our August 1st SHOPPE ONLINE launch, and this summer’s live SHOPPE OBJECT event in New York City. Take a look!
Photography credit Nikki Krecicki
NAME Caroline Kaufman
AGE 29
BORN Charleston, West Virginia
CURRENTLY RESIDE Brooklyn, New York
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN Capricorn
FAVORITE EMOJI 〰️
SIGNATURE DRINK Mezcal in a cute glass
Sausalito is made of water and sun, 7:38 a.m.
What childhood influences stay with you most, even now?
The act of collecting things like bottles and marbles and seaglass and antique drink stirrers. I still collect color combinations and shapes. In high school, going to Salvation Army with my best friend Ricky, to buy trash bags full of discounted clothes to turn into outfits.
You studied fashion design in college and then went into designing clothing. What were some lessons learned?
Trust your creative vision even if other people don’t get it. Don’t stay up all night sewing. Being dedicated, clever, creative, and not afraid to take risks is infinitely more valuable than having perfect technical skills.
What prompted you to move on to your current work, the gorgeous tufted tapestries, the paintings?
I kept having this recurring dream of “painting with yarn” long before I discovered tufting. I was in a place with my work where I was painting and knitting small works in the confines of my studio apartment. I kept thinking I want this work to be bigger, I want to find a way to marry my textile and painting practice. I kept envisioning my paintings as rugs. It was the type of feeling and inspiration that can only be described as magic.
How did you find your process for the fiber work?
The process is the concept. You just start working and it finds you.
How is the practice of your small paintings similar and/or dissimilar from your fiber art?
The different mediums feed different parts of my creative expression. The painting practice and the textile practice are lovers, they need each other to develop. They use different muscles but the process is the same.
Who are some of your artistic influences?
I’m really inspired by music, which I know as a visual artist may seem counterintuitive. I love listening to Broadway scores in my studio. Recently it was Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, which tells a version of the Greek love story of Orpheus and Eurydice. I’m also very inspired by the Brazilian furniture designer Percival Lafer.
Favorite color combination today?
Any shade of green and tomato red is the color combo that I always go back to. Think Goodnight Moon.
Pandemic talk – what were some takeaways for you from 2020, and now as we’re beginning to come out on the other end of such a turbulent ride? Did you learn anything about yourself?
I’ve always loved the practice of building a home — blame my Taurus moon! This year solidified that creating a bright physical studio and living space is the dream I want to save for and work towards in the next few years. I know when it happens will become an extension of my art practice. I also learned a lot about the importance of asking for and receiving help.
What were your salvations during lockdown and where were you?
I stayed in New York City the entire pandemic. My apartment felt like a safe haven amidst the sirens and the chaos. Cooking for myself and for my friends is a small salvation. I start most mornings making coffee and toast that I eat on my fire escape. I can see lots of birds on the tree outside my window which feels simple and special in New York City. On the other end, I enjoy making a big dinner, climbing up to my roof to sit and eat while the sun sets over Brooklyn. It’s my favorite moment of the day.
Tell us about your favorite houseplant (we hear you’re a busy plant mom):
Well, i’m no Hilton Carter, but I love my Monstera.
Name three songs for summer:
Daddy Lessons - The Chicks/Beyonce
Goodnight and Go - Imogen Heap
August - Taylor Swift
Best book you’ve read recently:
Everything Beautiful Began After - Simon Van Booy
A recipe you’ve mastered:
A spring farrow salad with sugar snap peas, green beans, mint, dill, parsley lemon, tomato in a lemon-y herb-y feta dressing with some toasted olive oil bread.
What’s your next hobby/project/product going to be?
My summer hobby is camping and hiking. I love cooking over a fire. My next project is working on my first international solo show for Spring 2022.
Recurring dreams, good or bad:
I keep having a stress dream where I’m moving apartments and I have to pack really fast. When I get to the new space I want to go back to the old apartment but I already gave up my lease.
What do you hope that your art will bring into someone’s home?
Ease and abundance
A single feeling you’d like to inspire with your work:
Jumping into a lake at dusk in summer
Photography credit Jonathan Hokklo
